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Rumi: Gamble Everything for Love

This is Laszlo' s second CD of Rumi's ecstatic poems made into songs. Lush arrangements and expressive singing bring the 13th Century Sufi mystic\'s lyrics (in Coleman Barks\' award-winning translations) to vibrant life.

ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

"There is some kiss we want with our whole lives,the touch of spirit on the body."

Jelaluddin Rumi, 13th Century Sufi mystic, is considered by many to be the world's greatest spiritual poet. His powerful poems on the longing of human beings for reunion with the divine, on the many-faceted mysteries of love, and of encouragement on the spiritual path, have inspired countless people for centuries.

To this very day, throughout the Middle East, Rumi's poetry is not only read from books but also sung, accompanied by musical instruments. This recording brings Rumi's translated lyrics back into this rich, ancient tradition of poetry set to music. With these gorgeous melodies, Rumi's lines dance off the page! These newly created settings, beautifully sung and performed on a variety of instruments, bring the magic of music to these timeless lyrics.

Coleman Barks is the foremost translator of Rumi's poetry, and largely responsible for making Rumi the most widely read poet in America today.

Laszlo Slomovits is one of the twin brothers in the family music duo, Gemini. His songs are featured on award-winning recordings, and used in schools throughout the country. In addition, he has a previous solo recording of Rumi’s poetry set to music, Give Light.

"The clear bead at the center changes everything.There are no edges to my loving now."

Laszlo Slomovits provides a lovely way for us to enjoy (and retain!) Rumi's mystical poetry. His musical settings range from playful to transcendent (as in the gorgeous vocals on "Only Breath"). I love the title track with its insistent rhythms, soaring flute, and sinewy melody.

This is an amazing collection of songs from Laszlo Slomovits. My favorites are "Love is a River" and "The Clear Bead". I have been a lover of Rumi's poetry for many years. Laz brings life to the poetry and fills the soul. You can't help but feel the love and the truth of the words when listening to this CD.

The combination of poetry by Rumi and melodies by Las Slomovits is absolutely mesmerizing! This CD is one of the best I have ever heard. I listen to it over-and-over again and am always swept away by its amazing music, words, rhythms and over all high quality throughout! This is a must-buy CD forever and ever!

Sometimes healing music is simply music that can make you feel happy...and that's how this CD makes me feel! Laz's arrangement on each song is wonderful...each with their own unique flair...soulful, lush, upbeat, deep, swinging...I love that about this CD. Laz has done it again with another creative musical transformation of Rumi poems. Fantastic!